Supplements worth try against dementia

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March 14, 2014|Suzy Cohen, Dear Pharmacist

Dear Pharmacist: Recently I saw a major network news program about researchers looking for drugs to prevent Alzheimer's. The doctors interviewed held out so little hope and it really upset me that they didn't suggest diet and exercise. Both my parents had dementia. I'm scared of it. — A.F., Chicago

Dear A.F.: The doctors were right that at present there isn't a single drug on the market that can hold Alzheimer's at bay, but there are a host of things you can do to protect yourself.

For starters, you can put curcumin, the active ingredient of the common spice turmeric, at the top of your list of Alzheimer's preventives. Seriously. Scientific studies have been published on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. One Japanese study showed symptom improvement after supplementing with turmeric capsules for one year. Two participants with severe cases were able to recognize family members by the study's conclusion.

In 2008, researchers in India published a paper reviewing the major research done on curcumin as a treatment for Alzheimer's. They noted that curcumin apparently has the ability to help a component of the immune system (macrophages) clear away amyloid plaques from the brain.

The take-home point is that turmeric and curcumin supplements are readily available, affordable and worth a try. Since supplements are hard to absorb, you can eat the spice. It's popular in curry dishes. Sprinkle it on everything because it's good for heart disease, arthritis and breast health.

Other food items you should add to your shopping list are colorful fruits and vegetables, with a special emphasis on blue and purple, which indicates the presence of anthocyanins, a pigment that scientists are looking at as a possible Alzheimer's preventive. In fact, I suggest eating blueberries several times a week.

Other memory-boosting supplements include citicoline, phosphatidylcholine and Acetyl-L carnitine.

There's a tight association with memory loss and damage from popular foods, so I often recommend either the Paleo Diet or Doug Kaufmann's "Phase One" Diet. You also can read about the dangers of gluten in the new book, "Grain Brain," by Dr. David Perlmutter.

This is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Go to SuzyCohen.com.